What We Know

What We Know

Overview of the Incident

• On the morning of July 1, 2025, 78‑year‑old Edward “Ron” Acosta—founder of the celebrated Las Palapas Tex‑Mex restaurant chain—was fatally stabbed at his North Side home in San Antonio’s Stone Oak area. His housekeeper discovered him in the garage with multiple stab wounds, and he was pronounced dead at the scene ksat.com+11ksat.com+11ksat.com+11.

• The suspect is 39‑year‑old David Ruiz, identified as Acosta’s nephew, who traveled from Whittier, California, to San Antonio. He was arrested hours later in Kimble County while driving west on I‑10 mysanantonio.com+5spectrumlocalnews.com+5ksat.com+5.

Suspect and Arrest

• Ruiz, a longtime California resident, had been invited by Acosta to stay with him. After an argument or altercation, Ruiz allegedly attacked him with a knife expressnews.com.

• He was detained and charged with first-degree murder. Authorities stated the incident did not pose a broader threat to the community .

🌟 Acosta’s Legacy

• In 1981, Acosta opened his first 60‑seat Las Palapas restaurant. The chain grew to over 20 locations across San Antonio and other Texas cities mysanantonio.com+11mysanantonio.com+11sanantonioreport.org+11.

• He was deeply philanthropic—supporting first responders through The 100 Club of San Antonio, raising nearly $500,000 and creating a signature “100 Club Plate” to benefit the organization ksat.com+1mysanantonio.com+1.

• Colleagues praised his generosity: Las Palapas noted his “deep faith,” community leadership, and habit of closing on Sundays so employees could worship or spend time with loved ones ksat.com+4mysanantonio.com+4sanantonioreport.org+4.

🧠 Suspected Motive & Mental Health

• Family members indicate Ruiz may have been experiencing a rapid mental‑health crisis, with paranoia and erratic behavior in the days prior sanantonioreport.org+1mysanantonio.com+1.

• His father described the situation as the “tragedy of all tragedies” and noted the sudden, inexplicable shift: “one week… from point A to Z” expressnews.com+2sanantonioreport.org+2expressnews.com+2.

💬 Community Reaction

• San Antonio officials and business owners are in mourning. The Texas Restaurant Association and colleagues described Acosta as a “generous spirit” and “true community leader” mysanantonio.com+4sanantonioreport.org+4spectrumlocalnews.com+4.

• The 100 Club and others are expressing shock and grief, acknowledging his long-term support for first responders and families ksat.com+1mysanantonio.com+1.

📝 Summary Table

The San Antonio police continue their investigation. Ruiz remains in custody in Bexar County, awaiting extradition and trial. The community is honoring Acosta’s memory through tributes and reflectio